RDCL u17 League Match: Oakfield v LICC 10/7/2012.

The rain was only a light drizzle as LICC u17s took to field having won the toss in Long Lawford. Oakfield`s artificial surface was very playable, compared to some recent wickets, both sides were keen to play a game being starved of any competitive cricket lately. Oakfield`s openers enjoyed the benefit of some early umpiring decisions in their favour, together with several dropped catches as they put on 36 for the first wicket. Chris Goodwin (11) and skipper Scott Price (34) for Oakfield before Man of the Match-Nathan Hooker separated them on his way to figures of 4-0-11-3. The rain got more intense and both captains were continually offered an abandonment but to their credit both insisted on playing on until eventually Oakfield reached 75 for 6 in the agreed 18 overs. It still rained when Nathan and Jamie got Long Itchington off to a brisk start but just as we were dropping catches Oakfield were taking their opportunities well and no-one managed to stay with Nathan long as he compiled 39* to ease Long Itchington to victory with 77 for 5 in 13.4 overs. So an excellent skipper`s performance by Nathan ensured a good 5 wicket win for LICC but whoever washes everyone`s kit afterwards no doubt will be less than pleased.